Kolkata : In shocking revelation, Indian star spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s place in Indian team for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is doubtful.
The left-arm wrist-spinner has been out of action since the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October due to a groin injury requiring him to undergo surgery in Germany. Although the operation was successful, a positive update on Kuldeep is yet to emerge.
The latest of Kuldeep is that the spinner is yet to resume bowling, which makes him playing the Champions Trophy doubtful.
Once he starts bowling, he has to play simulation Matches and get green light from BCCI to play further. It is also evident that he’s ruled out from England series in January, but BCCI remains hopeful regarding his participation in February’s Champions Trophy.
“Kuldeep is yet to start bowling. Once he starts, he will have to appear for a match simulation or two, a few days before he is given the green light. As for the England matches, it’s not impossible but tough (for Kuldeep to return) as just over a month remains for those games to begin. But as far as the Champions Trophy is concerned, there could be a chance of his comeback as there will be more time for it,” the Telegraph quoted a BCCI source.
While Kuldeep’s chances of playing in the Champions Trophy may appear bleak, his childhood coach Kapil Panday remains optimistic.
“Actually, Kuldeep felt a bit of pain even while playing the Bengaluru Test. Then I told him not to play further as his situation could have worsened. After that, he had a successful surgery in the groin area in Germany last month. At the Centre of Excellence, since the last week of November, he’s undergoing rehab which includes leg exercises like squats and all,” he told The Telegraph.
“The surgery was done so well that when he returned from Germany, it never seemed that he had undergone an operation. Nonetheless, it all depends on how well he completes the rehab.”
Panday also sparked positivity on Kuldeep resuming bowling this month. He will also reunite with his coach soon at Kanpur next week. Panday also remains optimistic about his participation in England series.
“This month itself he should start bowling. I’m quite confident. He’ll be here (in Kanpur) by next week and then we’ll make further planning. It may be a little early to predict Kuldeep’s comeback as he will resume bowling first and then has to play a practice game or two while going through the other tests and processes,” Panday pointed out.
“Bowling won’t be a problem for him, but how his leg feels and how comfortable he is with his run-up is important. So, if all these aspects click, I won’t be too surprised if he’s back during the England matches”, he concluded.
